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Big League baseball is back! While the pros are just a few weeks into the season, your campaign may be just around the corner. And that can mean only one thing: It’s time to “gear” up with the top training equipment to help you prepare for your Opening Day.
Some new baseball products hitting the market these days are gimmicky and don’t really hone your skills or improve your on-field play. Other equipment can, in fact, help you take your game to the next level (as long as you put in the practice, of course). But the problem lies in figuring out which piece of playing or training gear is worth your money. That’s why we rounded up the best baseball products on the market in 2024. With this information, you can purchase the baseball accessories that’ll help you swing, catch, pitch and slide your way to success on the diamond. As the saying goes, “Batter up!”
Our pick for the best baseball equipment of 2024:
- Best Overall — Wilson A2000 Glove
- Best Baseball Bat — DeMarini 2019 CF Zen Balanced BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Best Baseball Cleats — New Balance FuelCell COMPv3
- Best Baseballs — Wilson A1010s Blem Baseballs
- Best Baseball Gloves — Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Gloves
- Best Bat Bag — Athletico Baseball Bat Bag
- Best Sliding Mitt — EvoShield Sliding Mitt
- Best Training Baseballs — SKLZ Foam Training Balls
Best Overall — Wilson A2000 Glove
Catching our top prize as the best overall baseball product is the Wilson A2000 11.75-inch Infield Baseball Glove. Its copper and white pro stock leather makes it durable and gives it a stiff but flexible feel for solid control and responsiveness.
Not much time to break it in before practice? No problem. The Wilson A2000 glove features a thin heel pad, so you can break it in quickly. It also gives you a better closure around the ball. This is a glove designed to be reliable and to let you maximize your ability to corral ground balls throughout the season.
Best Baseball Bat — DeMarini 2022 BBCOR Baseball Bat
Let’s head over to the batter’s box and check out our best product runner-up: The DeMarini 2019 CF Zen Balanced BBCOR Baseball Bat comes in a variety of sizes from 30” to 34” in length and 27oz to 31 oz in weight. This way one can choose the option that best fits their preferences. Constructed from a high-end composite material, the DeMarini 2022 stays true to its namesake; its specialized end cap reduces weight at the top and works with the rest of its design to deliver a balanced feel. This maximizes swing speed through the strike zone and delivers that great pop off the barrel.
Best Baseball Cleats — New Balance FuelCell COMPv3 Baseball Cleats
With the New Balance FuelCell COMPv3 Baseball Cleats, you’ll run laps around the competition. They feature a TPU-molded plate that serves up the traction you get from a metal spike without the added weight of metal slowing you down. The midsole and PU midserts support your feet while also delivering rebound in every stride.
In other words, this cleat was designed to optimize grip and speed. They’re made from a blend of woven textile material and TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) to keep the shoes porous enough for breathability without compromising durability.
Best Baseballs — Wilson A1010s Blem Baseballs
Stock up on these Wilson A1010s Blem Baseballs for your practice sessions. Every order comes with a dozen baseballs perfect for working on your pitching, batting and catching between games. The Wilson A1010s is a professional quality baseball, with a full-grain leather cover and a red cushioned cork center.
Best Baseball Gloves — Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves
Used by MLB players like Paul Goldschmidt, Justin Turner, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Gary Sanchez, the Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves benefit from Franklin’s quality leather. This material is made from sheepskin and designed to remain softer and more tactile than other materials such as nylon or other synthetic fabrics. This construction gives the gloves enough durability to last through the seasons and resiliency to prevent tears and bunching when you need to be clutch. It’s easy to see that a lot of thought went into the design of this glove, especially with their natural fit that conforms to your hands for comfort and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the back of the gloves feature inserts that free your hands to flex and move without adding any bulk to the glove. The Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves come in all youth and adult sizes.
Best Bat Bag — Athletico Baseball Bat Bag
Having the right baseball batting gear is important — but protecting that gear is just as critical. The Athletico Baseball Bat Bag can keep your equipment safe and at the ready, whether you’re in youth baseball or playing at a higher level. Its large main compartment and series of extra pockets make it easy to organize. In fact, it can hold two bats, a helmet, batting gloves, cleats, a cap and your baseball glove — with plenty of room left over for your phone, keys and other personal belongings. The bag is also constructed from high-density Oxford fabric and polyester, meaning it’s built to last. Plus, it features padded shoulder straps for lumbar protection and a design that vents air and prevents excessive heat (and smell) from building.
Best Sliding Mitt — EvoShield Sliding Mitt
The EvoShield Sliding Mitt protective shields keep your fingers safe when sliding into the base. It covers the top and underside of your hand. The elastic compression strap for the wrist offers plenty of support without limiting mobility. Additionally it’s not cumbersome to put on or take off either, with adjustable straps that let you work the mitt with ease.
Best Training Baseballs — SKLZ Foam Training Baseballs
For T-ball players (or anyone new to baseball who’s in need of running drills to develop muscle memory, reflexes and eye-hand coordination), these 100% foam training baseballs will help them get into playing shape without risk of injury — or window damage. They’re officially sized and each order contains six foam training baseballs.
Baseball Gear FAQs
What's the most used glove brand in the MLB?
You may get a different answer depending on who you ask, but according to WhatProsWear, the most used glove brand in the MLB is Rawlings.
What's the most important piece of baseball equipment?
All baseball equipment is necessary to play a full game, but the most important equipment for you depends on your experience level and primary positions. For a simple pickup game, you'll need a baseball bat, baseballs gloves and basic protective gear (helmets, pads, etc.). If you play more competitively, you'll want to invest in baseball cleats, a gear bag and training accessories.
How much does baseball gear cost?
The cost of baseball gear varies depending on the brand and whether it's new or used. Assuming that you're buying new, a basic set of youth gear — including a bat, helmet, glove, cleats and balls — will cost you around $150–$200. That price range goes up to $250–$450 for adult gear.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.